September 3, 2014 at 1:44 PM (PT)

Back into the ring for round two, The Ratings Experts at RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC., in conjunction with the gang at XTRENDS, tear open and examine the fates and fortunes of five more of the largest markets in the known universe. Prepare yourself for the four-demo-deep dive…

HOUSTON-GALVESTON: Was A Sunny Day

For the second month in a row, CCM+E AC KODA (SUNNY) shone brightly over the rest of the market. Ever since the de facto dominance provided by the reindeer games, the station has been either #1 or #2. This time it had a positive, uplifting experience (6.4-6.8). For the fifth straight survey, RADIO ONE Urban AC KMJQ (MAJIC) was either flat or up. This time “up” was the word as the #2 station had its best share since SEPTEMBER (6.3-6.4). In a case of cluster cooperation, two stations swapped the #3 and #4 positions. COX RADIO Classic Rock KGLK (THE EAGLE) moved up to #3 with its best share in over a year (6.1-6.2). Amazing what good things can happen to you when your direct competitor exits the playing field. COX RADIO Country KKBQ (93Q) moved back to #4 with its third straight down book (6.2-6.1). While a new competitor has been unable to defeat RADIO ONE Top 40/R KBXX (THE BOX), it has certainly thrown a wrench into the gears. THE BOX remained at #5 (5.7-5.6), but a year ago it was #1 with an 8.0 share. The tool thrower was CCM+E Urban KQBT (THE BEAT), which continued its spoiler role by remaining at #11 with a flat book (3.7-3.7). One mover of note was UNIVISION Regional Mexican KLTN (ESTEREO LATINO). The station advanced to #6 with its best book since APRIL (4.9-5.3).

It was a three-peat at #1 25-54 for KODA as it had its best KRINGLE-free share in over a year. KLTN continued to be upwardly mobile as it took two steps forward to #2 with its highest share in exactly one year. KMJQ was up for the fifth straight month and landed its best number in over a year. As a result, it moved ahead one square to #3. Three stations were in a tussle over the #4 spot. KBXX had a small share increase to move up from #6. The two stations that were tied at #2 last survey joined the party at #4. CCM+E Alternative KTBZ (THE BUZZ) and KKBQ both had modest share decreases.

While KBXX may be in a pitched battle, it continued its 18-34 dominance. The station attained double-digit shares for the fourth straight month but it remained about four shares off its level from a year ago. That said, it maintained a comfortable lead over #2 KTBZ, which had a strong showing in landing its highest share in over a year. KKBQ rebounded nicely from a down book to move up to #3. This displaced KLTN to #4 despite the fact that, again, the station posted its largest share in exactly a year. Ever since it flipped format, KQBT has been a top five performer in this demo. This time, it bounced back from its lowest book since the flip to maintain its hold on #5. Though it did not budge from #6, KODA had its best tinsel-free book in over a year. Last year at this time it was sitting at #10 with a dramatically slimmer number.

The 18-49 arena used to be the exclusive domain of KBXX. Then, the combination of SANTA and KQBT conspired to knock THE BOX off the perch for six straight books. The station managed to reverse its fortunes lately and just landed its third straight #1 book. #2 KTBZ was close behind after its best book in over a year. KLTN also moved up a notch to #3 with its highest score since APRIL. There was a tie in the standings at #4. KKBQ dropped from a tie at #2 with its smallest number of 2014 while KODA moved up from #5 with a solid increase.

WASHINGTON, D.C.: And Now, Here’s The News

As one of the news-making capitals of the world, your nation’s capital generates its fair share of hot air. That steam powers the ratings turbines of in the market. For the fifth straight survey, two information-oriented stations topped the chart – in exactly the same order. HUBBARD News WTOP-F was #1 again with its best book since MARCH (8.0-8.5). As a matter of fact, it was the only station in the top five to actually show an increase this survey. AMERICAN UNIVERSITY N/T WAMU came in at #2 again with a slight loss (6.4-6.2). The next three stations all suffered small losses and all remained exactly where they were last month. CCM+E Top 40/M WIHT (HOT) was #3 with its smallest number since NOVEMBER. HOWARD UNIVERSITY Urban AC WHUR was still at #4 with its lowest share since SANTA was parading through the streets. And, CCM+E AC WASH held fast at #5 with its most meager book since APRIL. The rest of the market was extremely stable as only one station in the top 10 – CCM+E Alternative WWDC (DC101) – saw their ratings move by more than two-tenths of a share either way. WWDC moved into a tie at #10 (3.5-3.8).

Things were only slightly less stable 25-54. The same stations were in the top five; their order just changed a bit. For the seventh month in a row, WIHT was #1, though it – again – had its lowest share since NOVEMBER. WTOP-F moved up a notch to #2, ending a four-book slide in the process. WWDC advanced two squares to #3 thanks to its best book in over a year. WASH remained in place at #4 by being flat while WHUR dropped three spots to #5 after losing a chunk of share.

The dominant force in 18-34 that is WIHT marched on. Another month, another #1, another double-digit share. However, this was its lowest share since JACK FROST was nipping at your nose. Alas, RADIO ONE Urban WKYS (KISS) could not capitalize. Though it remained at #2, it lost a chunk of its number and trailed HOT by four full shares. Two stations tied the knot at #3. CBS RADIO Top 40/R WPGC remained in place with a chunk missing from its previous number. It was joined by WWDC, which moved forward two paces by ending a two-book slide. For the second month in a row, CCM+E Country WMZQ was in the top five. It dropped a spot despite landing its best book since OCTOBER. Keep an eye on CBS RADIO Spanish Contemporary WLZL (EL ZOL). The station had its best showing since FEBRUARY and moved up five spots to a tie at #7.

Much like the previous demo, WIHT continued its dominance of 18-49. This was its eighth straight stay at #1. Even though it posted its smallest share since JANUARY, it still held a wide lead over the #2 player. This time, that slot was taken by cluster brother WWDC, which moved up from #6 with its best performance since SEPTEMBER. The #3 spot was also part of the same cluster as WASH moved up one place despite a slight loss of share. WPGC experienced the same sense of loss and movement as it rose one spot to #4. Rival WKYS had a somewhat larger sense of loss as it moved from #3 to #5. WHUR’s lowest total since the chestnuts were roasting took the station down four pegs to #6.

PHILADELPHIA: Can’t Fight The Power

The station formerly associated with a flying insect certainly created a buzz (see what we did there …) when it completely revamped its image. WEAZ-FM RADIO AC WBEB (MORE FM) has been #1 in seven out of the eight surveys since changing its letterhead. It kept the crown this time with a flat book (6.5-6.5). However, note that these last two books have been the lowest share the station has attained in over a year. CBS RADIO Classic Hits WOGL rebounded from a down book (5.8-6.2) and moved up a spot to become a very close #2. Two stations moved in opposite directions and collided at #3. BEASLEY Country WXTU dropped from #2 with its smallest share since FEBRUARY (6.3-5.5) while CCM+E Urban AC WDAS moved up from #4 just by being flat (5.5-5.5). Cluster brother CCM+E Urban WUSL (POWER) had what was easily its best book in over a year (4.2-5.2) and jumped four spots to #5. A year ago at this time, the station was sitting in a tie at #11. Two stations took the whole cluster synergy very seriously. Last month, GREATER MEDIA Active Rock WMMR and GREATER MEDIA Classic Rock WMGK were tied at #5. This month, both stations accepted the identical share loss (5.4-5.1) to remain tied, though at #6 this time. Last month’s big story was RADIO ONE Urban Oldies WRNB (OLD SCHOOL). The station had just landed its seventh straight up book, a run that took it from a tie at #15 to #7. Alas, the streak came to an abrupt halt (5.3-4.3) and the station fell two spots to #9.

WMMR continued to tear it up 25-54. Despite a slight decline, it was #1 for the fifth book in a row and actually saw its lead over #2 WXTU grow as the Country station had a modest decrease. WUSL powered its way from #9 to #3 thanks to a huge share increase. WMGK fell to #4 with its second straight down book. Last month there was a three-way logjam at #4. All three stations fell but at different rates. CCM+E Alternative WRFF (RADIO 104.5) dropped back to #5 with a small decrease. WDAS fell to a tie at #7 with a slightly larger loss of share and GREATER MEDIA Adult Hits WBEN (BEN FM) took the largest share hit and dropped to #9.

Back in APRIL, WUSL made its way to #1 18-34. Unfortunately, it could not hold on to the lead. Well, it just came back with a vengeance – posting its best number in over a year and getting dangerously close to double-digit shares. The station was #1 by a wide margin over the three players hanging out at #2. Last month’s #1 WXTU fell back with its smallest share since FEBRUARY. WRFF remained in place with a slight decrease while WBEB had its best book since MARCH to move up from #5. WMMR slipped to #5 with its lowest share since sleigh bells were ringing.

The POWER surge continued as WUSL moved up three spots to be the #1 station 18-49. As we have seen in the other demos, this was the station’s best performance in over a year. WXTU fell back to #2 by losing a portion of share while WBEB took two steps forward to #3 by ending a two-book slide. WMMR fell two places to #4 with its third straight down book while WRFF took a two-step drop to #5 with a flat showing.

ATLANTA: Kiss The Bull

For the third straight book, there was a new #1 station. This month’s occupant was COX RADIO Urban AC WALR (KISS), which moved up from a tie at #4. The last time the station was #1 was during the HOLIDAY survey. It moved in this time thanks to its highest share since MAY (6.3-6.8). The other station that was tied at #4 ended up at #2. CCM+E Country WUBL (THE BULL) has been barging its way up the charts. It posted its best share in over a year (6.3-6.5). Last month’s market leader – COX RADIO AC WSB-F (B98.5) – dropped into a tie at #3 with cluster mate COX RADIO Talk WSB-A. The former couldn’t quite duplicate its best book of the year (7.0-6.4) while the latter had its smallest number since the aforementioned HOLIDAY book (6.6-6.4). CBS RADIO Urban AC WVEE (V-103) dropped two spots to #5 (6.5-6.3).

One of the biggest stories coming out of the market was the stunning end to WVEE’s run at #1 25-54. The station had its lowest share in over a year and fell to #2. WUBL became head of the herd as it moved up from #3. A year ago the station was ranked #12 with a number that was three points lighter than its current one. Talk about fattening up the cattle (bad um bump). WSB-F had its second-best book of the last year. Unfortunately, it followed its best book so the station slipped to #3. COX RADIO Classic Hits WSRV (THE RIVER) flowed down stream but held on at #4. CUMULUS Top 40/M WWWQ (Q100) was up slightly and remained at #5.

While one streak may have ended, another continued. WVEE was #1 18-34 for the sixth consecutive survey. Though it was down slightly and #2 RADIO ONE Urban WHTA (HOT) had a small increase, the gap remained relatively wide. The next three positions remained unchanged. WWWQ was #3 with its highest score since OCTOBER. CCM+E Alternative WRDA (RADIO 105.7) came in at #4 with its best book in over a year. WUBL continued to throw its weight around at #5 with a slight increase.

While WVEE was down 18-49 for the second book in a row, that had zero effect on its #1 ranking. The station has been there for a long time but its lead shrank to less than a share as #2 WUBL again posted its best book in over a year. WSB-F was off slightly but stayed at #3 while WWWQ remained at #4 with a modest increase. Last month’s tie at #5 was broken. WHTA remained in place after rebounding nicely from its lowest share of the year while WSRV slipped to a tie at #6 thanks to a small decrease.

BOSTON: It’s Wicked Close

For all of 2014, CCM+E Top 40/M WXKS (KISS) was sitting pretty at #1. The station was there this time, as well, but things are looking a bit dicey. It had its lowest share since folks were dressed up like Eskimos (8.2-6.9). Combine that with the run GREATER MEDIA Classic Hits WROR had been on and you have the makings of a donnybrook. WROR, in second place, has been hot over the last two books and just posted its highest number in over a year (6.3-6.8). GREATER MEDIA Country WKLB weathered its first full book with a direct competitor rather nicely. It moved up a spot to #3 (6.0-6.3). CBS RADIO Classic Rock WZLX dropped back to #4 (6.2-6.1) while GREATER MEDIA AC WMJX (MAGIC) remained holed up at #5 (5.9-5.6). And, what of that young bovine upstart? CCM+E Country WBWL (THE BULL) dropped from a tie at #16 to #18 (2.6-2.6).

Last month, WXKS recorded its highest 25-54 share in over a year. This month, not so much. It was still #1 by a healthy margin but recorded its lowest share since MARCH. WZLX was still #2 but its four-book surge came to an untimely end. WKLB inched up to #3 with a small gain, which sent WMJX back to #4 as it landed its smallest number since NOVEMBER. WROR had its highest mark in over a year to move up a couple of spots to #5. It started the year at #9 in this demo. GREATER MEDIA Rhythmic AC WBQT (HOT) had its lowest share in over a year and fell three places to #8.

Several stations have been playing a version of hot potato with the #1 ranking 18-34. This time, CCM+E Top 40/R WJMN (JAM’N) was on top – for the first time since APRIL. After three straight double-digit books, WXKS didn’t quite reach that plateau and dropped back to #2. WKLB bounced back from a down book to remain at #3 while WBQT held on at #4 with a small decrease. CBS RADIO Top 40/M WODS (AMP) was up for the third straight book – with its best share in over a year – to move up a notch to #5. GREATER MEDIA Alternative WBOS (RADIO 92.9) dropped three places to #8 with its lowest total since DECEMBER. WBWL could not quite duplicate its debut performance and fell three spots to #10.

WXKS had its eighth straight #1 18-49 book but did land its lowest share since the HOLIDAY survey. That said, it maintained a two-plus share lead over WKLB, which moved up a spot to #2 with a slight increase. WZLX dropped to #3 with a decent share loss while WJMN remained at #4 with a slight increase. WMJX ended a three-book skid to move up to #5 while WBQT cooled off as it fell two spots to #7.

This signals an end to round two of our exclusive ratings analysis for ALL ACCESS. The Ratings Experts at RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC., with significant contributions from the crew at XTRENDS, will be back with round three, featuring DETROIT, MIAMI, SEATTLE, PHOENIX, and MINNEAPOLIS. In the meantime, if we can help you analyze your ratings situation, please reach out to us via any of the platforms below. Probably, e-mail would work best.